Is your air compressor not working? Whether the problem is electrical, the motor, the regulators, or the valves, determine why your air compressor is not working with this simple air compressor troubleshooting chart.
Table of Contents
- Air Compressor Troubleshooting Guide – How to Fix an Air Compressor
- Troubleshooting Your Compressor – Air Compressor Troubleshooting Chart
- How to Fix an Air Compressor – Any Brand, Any Problem!
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Additional Troubleshooting Pages
Air Compressor Troubleshooting Guide – How to Fix an Air Compressor
It’s actually not difficult to repair air compressors. They have few moving parts and are very reliable. Parts are readily available for most compressors, and with some basic air compressor motor troubleshooting, you should be able to nail down what’s wrong on your own.
Is your air compressor not functioning as expected? Don’t worry, here are the air compressor problems and solutions to get it back up and running in no time.
From air compressor troubleshooting, and finding spare parts to testing a compressor – we’ve got you covered!
Troubleshooting Your Compressor – Air Compressor Troubleshooting Chart
Air Compressor Problems and Solutions
Compressor Won’t Start Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor won’t start | Basic starting troubleshooting—start here | Compressor will not start |
| Cold weather | Compressor will not start cold | |
| Compressor won't restart after filling the tank | Compressor will not re-start | |
| If there is air in the tank, the unloader valve may be bad | Compressor struggling to restart | |
| Compressor won’t start with air in tank | ||
| Problem with the capacitor | Compressor cuts off on refill | |
| Compressor will not start unless tank empty | ||
| Centrifugal starter failing | Compressor with HP motor will not start | |
| Bad Compressor | Brand new compressor won’t run |
Compressor Running Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor running issues | Basic bogging down troubleshooting guide —start here | Air compressor bogs down |
| Compressor starts then stops | Compressor starts and stops | |
| Thermal cutoff/rest button tripping | Compressor reset keeps tripping | |
| Compressor shuts down before reaching pressure | ||
| Compressor blows motor breaker | ||
| Motor failing | Motor turns slow and trips the breaker | |
| Wrong sized motor | Bogs down while running | |
| Compressor hums but does not build up pressure | Compressor hums and stops | |
| Blows breaker after a few revolutions | ||
| Faulty reset button | Compressor runs only when reset button is held | |
| Compressor runs but never reaches stopping pressure |
Compressor Won’t Stop Running
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor won’t stop running | Stopping issues overview — start here | Compressor slows and stops |
| Compressor will not cut off | ||
| Air leaks or bad seals | Compressor will not shut off | |
| Bad Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) | Compressor won’t shut off like it should | |
| Converting motor from 220V to 120V | Change compressor wall plug from 220 V |
Electrical Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical issues | Electrical wiring troubleshooting — start here | Electric troubleshooting air compressors |
| Converting motor from 220V to 120V | Change compressor wall plug from 220 V |
Fuse or Breakers Popping Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Fuses or breakers popping | Home circuit breaker tripping | Common fix for tripping breaker |
| Compressor blows breaker or fuse | ||
| Air compressor blowing circuit | ||
| Compressor blows breaker or fuse while running | ||
| Motor overheating—thermal reset | Compressor motor keeps popping the reset | |
| Compressor blows motor breaker | ||
| Motor failing | Motor turns slow and trips the breaker | |
| Breaker pops when motor restarts | Compressor runs five seconds then trips breaker | |
| Bad wiring | Heard a spark and compressor won’t start |
Low Air Flow and Related Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low air flow and related issues | Incorrect compressor for tools selected | Understanding CFM Measurements |
| Increase air output by using two compressors together | Combining two air compressors together | |
| Insufficient air pressure | Ways to increase SCFM of a compressor | |
| No air coming out at all? Start with this troubleshooting guide | No air out of hose | |
| Air lines freezing in cold weather | Compressor air lines freeze up | |
| Pressure dropping in tool supply line | Pressure drop in air lines | |
| Average air tool SCFM |
Capacitor Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor issues | Possible bad capacitor, test with multimeter | Testing compressor capacitors |
| Poor electrical connections or excessive vibration | Capacitor keeps blowing | |
| Mechanical wear or failure of compressor | Piston head heats up and capacitor blows | |
| Incorrect wiring | Start capacitor keeps blowing | |
| Incorrect capacitor on motor | What Capacitor Does My Compressor Need |
Liquid Fuel Air Compressors Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid fueled air compressors (Gas – Diesel-Propane) | Engine stalls | Engine shuts down when tank full instead of idling |
| Carburetor Problems | Engine dies when throttling back up |
Lubricators Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lubricators | Adjusting drips per minute on an air line lubricator | Drips per minute for an air line lubricator |
| Installing an air line lubricator | Setting up and operating an air line lubricator |
Air Compressor Motor Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Air compressor motor troubleshooting | Motor overview | Compressor motor problems |
| Motor makes a humming noise | Humming air compressor | |
| Motor hums and compressor won’t start | ||
| Calculating correct capacitor size | What capacitor does my compressor motor need | |
| Motor surges | Compressor motor surging | |
| Motor sparks and smokes | Compressor motor sparking and smoking | |
| Reset button Trips Continuously | Compressor runs only when reset button is held | |
| Bad Thermal Reset | How to buy a replacement thermal cut out | |
| Incorrect motor voltage | Changing compressor motor voltages |
Oil Related Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Oil related issues | Oil issue troubleshooting — start here | Oil related issues |
| Compressor has an oil issue | ||
| Changing the compressor oil | How to change the compressor oil | |
| Air in oil or too much oil | Air comes out of the oil fill cap | |
| Why does oil come out of the oil fill tube | ||
| Too much oil damaged my air compressor | ||
| Burnt oil smell coming from compressor |
Parts Related Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Parts related issues | Reed Valves | Make your own compressor reed valves |
| Reed valve material | ||
| Manifold | Make your own compressor manifold | |
| Gaskets | Make your own compressor gaskets | |
| How to Test Capacitors | Testing capacitors | |
| Cooling Fans | Broken compressor cooling fan | |
| Gauges | About air gauges |
Pressure-Related Compressor Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure related compressor issues | No pressure build up | Compressor will not build pressure |
| Compressor — why not build pressure | ||
| Regulator leaks air | Why a compressor regulator leaks | |
| Air comes out of intake | Air comes out of the compressor intake filter or port | |
| Reed valve failure | Reed valve failure | |
| Pressure switch problems | Runs and pumps but builds little or no pressure | |
| Compressor pressure problem | ||
| Compressor won't hold pressure | Compressor loses pressure quickly | |
| My compressor will not build pressure | ||
| Can’t get compressor to fill over 47 PSI | ||
| How long should a compressor hold air | ||
| Compressor won’t pump at 80-90 PSI |
Pressure Switch-Related Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure switch related | Replacing your pressure switch | How to buy a new compressor pressure switch |
| Buying a compressor pressure switch | ||
| Has pressure switch issues | ||
| Broken compressor pressure switch | ||
| Find pressure switch E247030 | ||
| Repairing a pressure switch | Put my pressure switch back together | |
| Putting a pressure switch back together | ||
| Fenwai pressure switch rebuild | ||
| Replace spring in pressure switch | ||
| Pressure switch air leak | Air leaking at the unloader valve on the pressure switch | |
| Condor pressure switch leaking | ||
| Condor pressure switch manual | ||
| Lefoo LF10-4H pressure switch unloader | ||
| Pressure switch disconnect problems | Line comes off the pressure switch | |
| Pressure switch contacts keep burning out | ||
| Compressor cut off not working | ||
| Broken compressor switch manifold | ||
| Plastic hose blows out of pressure switch |
PRV (pressure relief valves) Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| PRV (pressure relief valves) | All about pressure relief valves — start here | About the PRV |
| When PRV valve opens | ||
| PRV repair | Fix a PRV | |
| PRV keeps cracking open |
Unloader Valve Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unloader valve issues | Unloader valve issues | |
| Air compressor not unloading | ||
| Air leaking at the unloader valve on the pressure switch | ||
| Adjusting the compressor unloader valve | ||
| Do I need an unloader valve on my switch | ||
| Unloader not functioning or not present |
Pumps Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pumps | All about pumps — start here | Air compressor pumps page |
| Repair procedures | B5900 pump repair steps | |
| Should intake valve be blowing air out | ||
| Pump pulley rotation | Pump pulley rotation – is it important |
Regulators Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Regulators | All about regulators — start here | About regulators |
| Fixing an air regulator | ||
| Regulator questions | ||
| Regulator hissing or leaking air | Regulator hissing – leaking air | |
| Regulator knob replacement on Sanborn |
Tank Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Tank issues | How to drain a compressor tank | How to drain the compressor tank |
| Calculating tank size | Gallons to cubic feet (air tank size) | |
| Cleaning tank | Cleaning inside of a compressor tank | |
| How to add an air tank | Add an air tank | |
| Can I put two tanks on one compressor | ||
| Add an additional air tank to the system | ||
| Tank recycling | ||
| Use propane tank for air compressor | ||
| Water in the compressor tank | Compressor water in the tank | |
| Condensate is a problem | ||
| Increasing tank pressure | ||
| Tank pressure margins | ||
| Tank check valve issues | Tank check valve | |
| How to buy a replacement compressor tank check valve | ||
| Compressor tank exploded |
Air Tool Issues Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Air tool issues | Air flow issues with tools | Average air tool SCFM |
| Compressor can’t keep up with air tool | ||
| Compressor won’t run air tool | ||
| How long will this air tool run | ||
| Nail guns | Won’t shoot nails | |
| When using my nail gun the compressor won’t shut off | ||
| Compressor to run 4 roofing nail guns | ||
| Air supply for flooring nail gun | ||
| Blow guns | Blow gun not working | |
| Spray guns | Spray gun and compressor size | |
| Pressure drop in HVLP paint sprayer | ||
| Can this compressor run my HVLP spry gun | ||
| Die grinders | Is a higher CFM die grinder better than a low CFM one | |
| Pressure required for die grinder | ||
| Air sanders | What air sanders can I use | |
| Impact wrenches | Impact wrench air consumption | |
| Need impact wrench for lug nuts | ||
| Impact wrench has loss of pressure during use |
Miscellaneous Compressor Troubleshooting
How to Fix an Air Compressor – Any Brand, Any Problem!
Do you have a specific air compressor problem?
Before you post a question here, visit this page with a list of all the top air compressor brands. If the page doesn’t have an answer for you, use the form on that brand page to ask a question about it. That makes it easier for folks with the same one to solve problems for their compressors. And you might find the answer to your question has already been asked and answered!
If your air compressor brand is not listed, please use the search box top left to find an answer to your specific air compressor troubleshooting question on this site.
If you still can’t find any information on your problem, please post your question at the end of this page. We, that’s me, and the many visitors to about-air-compressors.com will try to help you out with your air compressor problem.
If you can help another compressor user by commenting on their compressor problem, that would surely help all of us, and we all thank you for that.
Please leave your comments below, and let’s try to get your air compressor problem solved.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Some of the most common issues with an air compressor are air leaks, insufficient lubrication, and the compressor overheating causing the circuit breaker to trip and halt operations.
No doubt the biggest cause of air compressor failure is overheating, which leads to the compressor burning out and failing. If air compressors are overworked, by exceeding their duty cycle it is very likely that excessive strain will be thrown onto the compressor, causing premature wear and tear.
A defective reed valve is a common reason why your compressor may not be able to build pressure. A defective reed valve will allow air to exhaust out from the air inlet. It could also be a leak somewhere else in the system blocking the compressor from getting past a certain point.
If you air compressor is not working, you should first aim to diagnose what the issue is. Is there a problem with the power supply? Do you have blown circuit breakers? Do you have insufficient oil? Visit our air compressor troubleshooting guide for further checks.
Additional Troubleshooting Pages
Air Compressor Types Troubleshooting
- Centrifugal Air Compressor Troubleshooting
- Rotary Vane Air Compressor Troubleshooting
- Rotary Screw Air Compressor Troubleshooting
- Reciprocating Air Compressor Troubleshooting
- Scroll Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Air Compressor Brand Specific Troubleshooting
- Atlas Copco Air Compressor Troubleshooting
- Deutz Diesel Engine Starting Problems Troubleshooting
- Kaeser Air Compressor Troubleshooting
- Kobalt Air Compressor Troubleshooting
- Speedaire Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Air Compressor Brand/Problem-Specific Troubleshooting
- Atlas Copco Compressor Fault Codes
- Atlas Copco Air Compressor Will Not Stay Running
- Bostitch Air Compressor Won’t Build Pressure
- Bostitch Air Compressor Won’t Shut Off
- Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor Not Building Pressure
- Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Will Not Stay Running
- Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Won’t Build Pressure
- Craftsman Air Compressor Not Building Pressure
- DeWalt Air Compressor Not Building Pressure
- DeWalt Air Compressor Won’t Shut Off
- Husky Air Compressor Will Not Shut Off
- Husky Air Compressor Won’t Build Pressure
- Ingersoll Rand Compressor Fault Codes
- Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor Won’t Restart
- Kaeser Compressor Fault Codes
- Porter Cable Air Compressor Won’t Build Pressure
- Sullair Air Compressor Won’t Start
Air Compressor Part Specific Troubleshooting
- Air Compressor Check Valve Troubleshooting
- Air Compressor Electrical Troubleshooting
- Air Compressor Pressure Regulator Troubleshooting
- Air Compressor Pressure Switch Troubleshooting
- Air Compressor Reed Valve Troubleshooting
- Air Compressor Smells Like It’s Burning? Troubleshooting Compressor Burning Smell
If you have any questions regarding air compressor troubleshooting, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
